early and often

Is It Too Late for Tom Vilsack?

Hillary Clinton

We know, we get exhausted having to listen to you, too. Photo: Getty Images

The Observer blog today prophesies that Hillary will pick former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as a running mate if she wins the Iowa Caucus (speaking of the Observer blog, have you noticed that the whole paper has suddenly become a blog? Was this somehow inevitable?). But we can’t help but disagree. Back in October, we predicted Hillary will choose Evan Bayh instead. Now, we’re pretty sure not even Hillary has made up her mind. She’s a smart lady and didn’t get where she is today by not knowing the advantage of leading a few dudes on at the same time. But if anything, the fickle nature of Hillary’s Iowa poll numbers shows that having Vilsack (a campaign co-chair) on her team doesn’t guarantee a sure win in the swing state. In which case, he’ll seem like a much less potent force in the general election. Sure, we haven’t heard as much from Bayh lately, and he’s not as much of an attack dog for his mistress, but we say don’t count him out. A lot of stuff is going to fall into place in January and February, and the VP pick is going to be upon us before we know it. We’re just saying, don’t forget about the hot dude.

Vilsack for V.P.? Depends On How The Caucuses Go [Politicker/NYO]
Earlier: In Which We Predict Hill Will Take a Bayh in ’08

Is It Too Late for Tom Vilsack?